Building construction system for stem wall foundations

ABSTRACT

A building construction system for setting up and casting a stem wall foundation. The system comprises a plurality of forms, a plurality of code clips configured to fix the forms; and a plurality of code spacers having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body and having a top receiving channel and a bottom receiving channel snapping the form in a vertical position. One of the code spacers is snapped onto a reinforcement bar and another of the spacers is distanced adjacently such that the elongated neck structure of code spacers facing opposite to each other, and the reinforcement bar is accommodated on the clasps of both the code spacers laterally and perpendicularly and two reinforcement bars accommodated at a junction of the body and the elongated neck structures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to building construction systems, and more particularly, to non-structural spacers having specialized contours for constructing structures, such as, stem wall foundations, and the like, according to building code requirements even in areas prone to natural calamities, in a fast, easy, reliable, inexpensive, and effective manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Constructing a building in areas/locations prone to natural calamities such as high winds, earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, presents special challenges. The climate and weather conditions in these areas are suited to concrete construction. To facilitate quick and easy construction in these areas, concrete is cast in place over steel reinforcement and in this regard, various types of structural spacers are suggested in the prior art. However, the conventional means of construction does not provide means for carrying a plurality of reinforcing materials, such as, rebars while maintaining essential clearances between the rebar and earth or formwork yet enabling easy flow of concrete throughout the structure during construction.

Attempts have been made in the past to address the above mentioned drawbacks utilizing concrete blocks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,168 discloses blocks for constructing walls and other structures. The blocks include a plurality of horizontal and vertical channels that are adapted to receive reinforcing rods (“rebar”).

US Patent Publication Number 20060000179 discloses a building block with an open top and bottom. One end of the block is provided with a pair of vertical slots and the other end of the block is provided with a pair of vertical fins for insertion into the vertical slots of an adjacent block. The bottom of the block is provided with a pair of horizontal slots and the top of the block is provided with a pair of horizontal fins for insertion into the horizontal slots of an overlying block. The horizontal fins and slots are respectively provided with pegs and holes that, in adjacent blocks. One end of the block is also provided with a notch and the other end of the block is provided with a key for insertion into a notch in an adjacent block.

US Patent Publication Number 20030217521 discloses an adjustable anchoring system for a wall. The anchoring system attaches a series of structural members to a wall comprises an elongate horizontal track and a plurality of anchor plates. The horizontal track has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls defining there between an upwardly facing channel with a restricted opening. The anchor plates each include an enlarged head portion, nailing plate and a relatively narrow strap extending between the head portion and the nailing plate. The head portion is sized to fit within the channel and engage the sidewalls to retain the anchor plates at selected longitudinal positions. The strap is sized to pass between the sidewalls to position the nailing plate normal to the track for attaching a structural member thereto.

Most of such blocks in the prior art have been very expensive to produce. Moreover, it is difficult to maintain the required minimum concrete coverage to the reinforcement.

Accordingly, there persists a continuing need for improvements in conventional construction building block systems to permit low cost, easy to install spacers that ensure adequate concrete cover to rebar for corrosion protection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved building construction system for the construction of stem wall foundations, and the like, even in areas prone to natural calamities such as high winds, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, in quick, easy, effective, and economical manner, and meeting the requirement of various building codes, to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a building construction system for stem wall foundations. The building construction system comprises a plurality of forms; a plurality of reinforcement bars; a plurality of reinforcement ties holding the reinforcement bars a plurality of code clips configured to clamp the form; and a plurality of code spacers having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, the partially encircling clasp capable of snapping onto one of the reinforcement bars laterally and perpendicularly to a length of the body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body, the elongated neck structure having a top end portion with a top receiving channel, and a bottom end portion with a bottom receiving channel, the top end portion and the bottom end portion configured in a manner such that, a bottom portion of one of the forms slips into the bottom receiving channel while the top receiving channel snaps over a top portion of the form in a vertical position, wherein at a junction of the body and the elongated neck structure, the body capable of accommodating another of the reinforcement bars.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a code spacer, for stem wall foundation. The code spacer comprises a body; a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, the partially encircling clasp capable of snapping onto a first reinforcement bar laterally and perpendicularly to a length of the body; and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body, the elongated neck structure having a top end portion with a top receiving channel, and a bottom end portion with a bottom receiving channel, the top end portion and the bottom end portion configured in a manner such that, a bottom portion of a form slips into the bottom receiving channel while the top receiving channel snaps over a top portion of the form in a vertical position.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for casting a stem wall foundation. The method comprises: snapping a first code spacer onto a first reinforcement bar; snapping a second code spacer onto the first reinforcement bar, the second code spacer snapping on in the opposite direction to the first code spacer, thus delineating the position of the sides of the formwork, the first code spacer and the second code spacer, having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body, the elongated neck structure having a top end portion with a top receiving channel, and a bottom end portion with a bottom receiving channel, such that the elongated neck structure of the first code spacer, and the elongated neck structure of the second code spacer facing opposite to each other, and the first reinforcement bar runs through the partially encircling clasp of the first code spacer and the second code spacer, laterally and perpendicularly; disposing a second reinforcement bar at a junction of the elongated neck structure and the body of the first code spacer, laterally and perpendicularly; disposing a third reinforcement bar at a junction of the elongated neck structure and the body of the second code spacer, laterally and perpendicularly; tying the first reinforcement bar, the second reinforcement bar, and the third reinforcement bar using a reinforcement tie, as normally constructed in a stem wall foundation; snapping a first form between the top receiving channel and the bottom receiving channel of the first code spacer; snapping a second form between the top receiving channel and the bottom receiving channel of the second code spacer. Then completing the structural requirements as normal by disposing a vertical reinforcement bar on the reinforcement tie, such that, a neck portion of the vertical reinforcement bar positioned horizontally midway along a length of the reinforcement tie, and a body portion of the reinforcement tie extending vertically and perpendicularly to the neck portion; and pouring liquid concrete between the forms, and allowing the liquid concrete to harden.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which, there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a code spacer 100 illustrating positioning of reinforcement bars 10 therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a “H” clip 120, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a ‘45 degree’ clip 130, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a ‘90 degree’ clip 140, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the positioning of a pair of code spacers 100 of a stem wall foundation in a trench, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of a stem wall foundation, illustrating the placement of form 20 along with the code spacers 100 and the code clips 120, 130, 140, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout several views of the drawings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular building construction system for stem wall foundation, as shown and described. Rather, the principles of the present invention may be used with a variety of configurations and structural arrangements, e.g., for aesthetics, structural purposes, and/or for simplicity in assembling and disassembling. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof, herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather, denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides an improved, simplified, and efficient building construction system for constructing building structures, such as, stem wall foundations, and the like. The building construction system of the present invention employs a plurality of structural modules for enhancing the construction environment, without imposing any limitation on location and constructional orientation, in a fast, easy, reliable, inexpensive, and effective manner. Additionally, the building construction system of the present invention enhances the quality of construction, while making major savings in terms of the concrete usage.

The present invention provides structural modules, such as, code spacers, and code clips used in building construction. More specifically, the code spacers and the code clips of the present invention are used in stem wall foundation during formwork. At the foundation level, the building construction system of the present invention provides structural modules that have been designed to be used in conjunction with building materials and formwork, such as, code spacers, and code clips to enhance the quality of construction, while making major savings to the amount of concrete oversupply when no forms are used in the trench. Furthermore, while the code spacers remain embedded in the foundation, all the formwork is entirely recoverable and reusable.

Now, referring to FIG. 1, a code spacer 100 used in stem wall foundation, is shown. The code spacer 100 has a body 102 having a partially encircling clasp 104 protruding from a first end portion 105 of the body 102, the partially encircling clasp 104 capable of snapping a reinforcement bar 10 laterally and perpendicularly to a length of the body 102. The code spacer 100 has an elongated neck structure 106 at a second end portion 107 of the body 102, the elongated neck structure 106 having a top end portion 108 and a bottom end portion 110. The top end portion 108 has a top receiving channel 112 and the bottom end portion 110 has a bottom receiving channel 114. The top receiving channel 112 and the bottom receiving channel 114 are capable of receiving a portion of a form 20 (for example, plywood, plastic). More specifically, a bottom portion of the form 20 slips into the bottom receiving channel 114 while the top receiving channel 112 snaps over a top portion of the form 20 in stem wall foundation in a vertical position. At a junction of the body 102 and the elongated neck structure 106, the body 102 is further capable of receiving an additional reinforcement bar 10. The body 102 of the code spacer 100 further has a plurality of vents 116 configured to allow the liquid concrete to pass through to all sides of the code spacer 100, thereby providing stability and rigidity to the code spacer 100 in stem wall foundations. The profile of the code spacer 100 including the vents 116 ensures correct clearances for concrete coverage and the same is maintained, while positioning and clamping standard forms 20 appropriate to the minimum foundation heights and widths according to the desired building code, (for example, 8 inches high×16 inches wide for single story, 10 inches high×20 inches wide for two or three story). The code spacer 100 may be made of materials including, but not limited to, nylon, or other plastic material capable of presenting least obstruction to strength and monolithic flow of liquid concrete in the stem wall foundation.

Now, referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, a plurality of code clips, are illustrated. The code clips are used to join the forms at butt joints, corners, and angled walls. In an embodiment, the code clip may take form of a “H” clip 120 (See FIG. 2A), a “45 degree” clip 130 (See. FIG. 2B), and a “90 degree” clip 140 (See FIG. 2C). The code clips may be made of materials, such as plastic, steel or aluminum and the like. The “H” clip 120 may be used in places where the footing continues straight and accordingly, the form 20 needs to run to longer lengths, such that, two forms 20 may be clamped together (at butt joints) using a ‘H’ clip 120. Similarly, the “90 degree” clip 140 may be used in corners, and the “45 degree” clip 130 may be used at 45 degree angles, such as, the bay windows or the like.

Now, referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is the positioning of a pair of code spacers 100 of a stem wall foundation in a trench. During stem wall foundation, the pair of code spacers 100 are distanced adjacently but facing opposite to each other (such that the elongated neck structure 106 is distanced apart thus delineating the position of the sides of the formwork), is attached to each end of the length of the form 20, allowing the form 20 to be snapped on either side of the formwork between the top receiving channel 112 and the bottom receiving channel 114. Each pair of code spacers 100 is positioned to accommodate three reinforcement bars 10, in a manner, such that, the middle reinforcement bar 10 is received by both the code spacers 100 at the partially encircling clasp 104, while the other reinforcement bars 10 are positioned at the juncture of the body 102, and the neck structure 106 of both the code spacers 100. The three reinforcement bars 10 are held together as in normal construction by a reinforcement tie 12. A vertical reinforcement bar 14, is disposed on the reinforcement tie 12, such that, a neck portion 16 of the vertical reinforcement bar 14 is positioned horizontally midway along a length of the reinforcement tie 12, and a body portion 18 of the reinforcement bar 14 extending vertically and perpendicularly to the neck portion 16. The code spacer 100 may be required at the start and end of each straight run of formwork, or in the middle, and would be required on both sides to snap on both the inside and outside forms 20. After casting the foundation in the manner required by Codes and Authorities, the top end portion 108 containing the top receiving channel 112 of the code spacer 100 may be snapped or twisted off the hardened concrete, releasing the reusable forms 20. The remainder of the code spacers 100 may be forfeited, as they are cast into the footing.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, a portion of a top view of a stem wall foundation, is shown, illustrating the placement of code spacers 100, the code clips 120, 130, 140, the form 20 disposed normally, the reinforcement bars 10 disposed normally, and the reinforcement ties 12 disposed. As shown, three normal reinforcement bars 10 are accommodated on the pair of code spacers 100 positioned alongside and opposite, and the reinforcement bars 10 are held together using reinforcement ties 12. At the start and end of each straight run, one code spacer 100 is positioned on each side of the foundation. Form 20 is laid alongside the reinforcement bars 10 on either side of the foundation and the form 20 is snapped between the top receiving channel 112 and the bottom receiving channel 114 of the code spacer 100. Along the straight run of the formwork, and at butt joints, the form 20 is clamped together using ‘H’ clips 120 and at the corners, the form 20 is clamped using ‘90 degree’ clips 140. Additionally, in foundations, wherein the reinforcement bars are required to take a 45 degree turn, the form 20 running alongside must also be positioned at 45 degrees at the turns. At such positions, ‘45 degree’ clips 130 may be used for clamping the form 20.

During construction, building codes may require a minimum of 3 inches concrete coverage to the reinforcement bars, such that, the reinforcement bars may remain constant. The size of the foundation may change depending on the number of story to be built. For example, in case of a single story building, the minimum size of the foundation is 16 inches wide, while two and three story buildings may have a minimum size of 20 inches wide, depending upon the required code, and in each case, the height of the foundation may be half the width of the foundation. Depending on the sizes of the foundation, the size of the code spacer 100 may also vary, and appropriate code spacers 100 may be selected for a desired foundation width. In one embodiment, the placement of the reinforcement bars 10 on the code spacer 100 may create a 3 inches bottom concrete coverage and 3 inches side concrete coverage.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby, enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A building construction system for stem wall foundation, comprising: a plurality of forms; a plurality of reinforcement bars; a plurality of reinforcement ties holding said reinforcement bars; a plurality of code clips configured to clamp said form; and a plurality of code spacers having a body; a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of said body, said partially encircling clasp capable of snapping onto one of said reinforcement bars laterally and perpendicularly to a length of said body; and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of said body, said elongated neck structure having a top end portion with a top receiving channel, and a bottom end portion with a bottom receiving channel, said top end portion and said bottom end portion configured in a manner, such that, a bottom portion of one of said form slips into said bottom receiving channel while said top receiving channel snaps over a top portion of said form in a vertical position, wherein at a junction of said body and said elongated neck structure, said body is capable of accommodating another of said reinforcement bars.
 2. The building construction system of claim 1, wherein one of said reinforcement bars snaps into said partially encircling clasp of a first code spacer and a second code spacer of the plurality of code spacers, in a manner, such that, the second code spacer is distanced adjacently from the first code spacer, and said elongated neck structure of said first code spacer and said second code spacer face opposite to each other.
 3. The building construction system of claim 1, wherein said code spacer further comprises a plurality of vents configured in said body to allow liquid concrete to pass through to all sides of said code spacer for the integrity of the stem wall foundation.
 4. The building construction system of claim 1, wherein said code clips are selected from the group consisting of H clips, 45 degree clips, 90 degree clips, and combinations thereof.
 5. The building construction system of claim 4, wherein said H clip is used for fixing two forms at butt joints.
 6. The building construction system of claim 4, wherein said 45 degree clip is used for fixing two forms at 45 degree angled walls.
 7. The building construction system of claim 4, wherein said 90 degree clip is used for fixing two forms at 90 degree angled walls.
 8. The building construction system of claim 1, wherein said code clips are made of materials selected from the group consisting of plastic, aluminum and steel.
 9. The building construction system of claim 1, wherein said code spacer is made of a material capable of providing strength and allowing monolithic flow of liquid concrete in stem wall foundation.
 10. The building construction system of claim 1, further comprising plurality of vertical reinforcement bars disposed normally, wherein each of said vertical reinforcement bar has a neck portion positioned horizontally along a length of said reinforcement tie, and a body portion extending vertically and perpendicularly to said neck portion.
 11. The building construction system of claim 1, wherein said code spacers are twisted off upon casting the stem wall foundation, thereby releasing said forms and said code clips for reuse.
 12. A code spacer for stem wall foundation, comprising a body; a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of said body, said partially encircling clasp capable of snapping onto a first reinforcement bar laterally and perpendicularly to a length of said body; and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of said body, said elongated neck structure having a top end portion with a top receiving channel, and a bottom end portion with a bottom receiving channel, said top end portion and said bottom end portion configured in a manner, such that, a bottom portion of a form slips into said bottom receiving channel while said top receiving channel snaps over a top portion of said form in a vertical position.
 13. The code spacer of claim 12, wherein at a junction of said body and said elongated neck structure, said body is capable of accommodating a second reinforcement bar.
 14. The code spacer of claim 12, wherein said body comprises a plurality of vents configured to allow liquid concrete to pass through to all sides of said code spacer for the integrity of the stem wall foundation. Duplicates claim 3
 15. A method for casting a stem wall foundation, comprising: snapping a first code spacer onto a first reinforcement bar; snapping a second code spacer onto the first reinforcement bar, the second code spacer distanced adjacently but opposite to said first code spacer, said first code spacer and said second code spacer, having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of said body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of said body, said elongated neck structure having a top end portion with a top receiving channel, and a bottom end portion with a bottom receiving channel, such that said elongated neck structure of said first code spacer, and said elongated neck structure of said second code spacer facing opposite to each other, and said first reinforcement bar runs through said partially encircling clasp of said first code spacer and said second code spacer, laterally and perpendicularly; disposing a second reinforcement bar at a junction of said elongated neck structure and said body of said first code spacer, laterally and perpendicularly; disposing a third reinforcement bar at a junction of said elongated neck structure and said body of said second code spacer, laterally and perpendicularly; tying said first reinforcement bar, said second reinforcement bar, and said third reinforcement bar using a reinforcement tie; snapping a first form between said top receiving channel and said bottom receiving channel of said first code spacer; snapping a second form between said top receiving channel and said bottom receiving channel of said second code spacer; disposing a vertical reinforcement bar on said reinforcement tie, such that, a neck portion of said vertical reinforcement bar positioned horizontally midway along a length of said reinforcement tie, and a body portion of said reinforcement tie extending vertically and perpendicularly to said neck portion; and pouring liquid concrete between said forms, and allowing the liquid concrete to harden.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising fixing two forms using H clip at a butt joint.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising fixing two forms using 45 degree clip at 45 degree angled walls.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising fixing two forms using 90 degree clip at 90 degree angled walls.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein said code spacers are twisted off from hardened concrete, thereby releasing said forms for reuse.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein said code spacers are made of a material capable of providing strength and allowing monolithic flow of liquid concrete in stem wall foundation and said code clip is made of plastic or steel. 